Special Educational Needs

Students with educational needs are catered for in a mainstream setting and fully participate in the National Curriculum, without exception, throughout their secondary education. All students are placed in sets according to their National Curriculum Key Stage 2 results. Weak ability students are supported within the classroom in Years 7 and 8.

Students can be placed on the SEN Register depending upon needs that cannot be catered for through general differentiation by subject teachers. The school SENCO monitors the suitability of coursework for students at Key Stage 3 and supports staff and students. Weak ability students are supported through a moderated curriculum, where there is inclass teacher support. All students with needs, learning or medical, are placed on the SEN Register and staff are asked to contribute to two individual educational plans (IEP) each year. Students who have been privately assessed as dyslexic are placed at school action.

The school does not withdraw students with learning difficulties unless there is a specific problem, addressed through an educational statement, or the student is performing at level 3 or below. Support is offered in the classroom through a differentiated curriculum, small teaching groups, in-class support or extra support materials that students are expected to complete at home under supervision.

Children with profound mobility difficulties cannot access all areas of the school but we try to support children with minor physical problems as ramps, hand rails and lifts have been installed. No student is disadvantaged at St Margaret’s as all children are entered for GCSE examinations. At Key Stage 4, the school does not teach alternative courses for students who cannot cope with the demands of the National Curriculum. All students of weak ability attain a minimum of five GCSEs.

New regulations regarding the Code of Practice have been introduced to all schools. The school is aware of the changes in the law regarding access to the curriculum and students’ needs. St Margaret’s has always shown regard to inclusion and the social index. Students are treated equally and fairly as we offer a curriculum that stretches and develops all students to the best of our ability despite the school not having a Special Needs department. The school ensures that staff are aware of the needs of all students who may be placed upon the SEN Register and we endeavour to cater for every student. A condensed copy of the school’s Special Educational Needs Policy, that adheres to the Code of Practice and conforms to the recent Educational Acts, is available on request from the Headmaster’s Personal Assistant.

Studentswith learning difficulties and /or disabilities make the same good progress as their peers.

[Ofsted 2007]